Chapter 7

Chapter 7

After that day, the back of Shirones head itched almost daily. But Rian did not show up.

According to the rumors, he got caught by his instructor and was taken to the mountains.

It wasnt until a month later that Shirone relaxed.

Humans were oblivious creatures. As long as nothing big or significant occured, it would soon be forgotten.

No way he has a grudge simply because of that.

With a light heart, Shirone started reading about the founding of the Kingdom of Thormia, his country.

The number of books he had read over the past four months was 82.

Though not a large number, his reading speed gradually sped up as the number of completed books increased.

My prediction wasnt wrong!

The first book took 20 days to complete.

However, after fully understanding the first book, many things got easier for Shirone.

No books he read, following the first, had any completely new information.

There was only a difference in degree of complexity, but the same information would repeatedly appear.

No need to be scared. Its only hard the first time!

If he were to lay the foundation with about 200 books first, the remaining 650 books would be much easier to take in.

Shirones favorite part of history was definitely the mages active role in it.

If a scholar studied a theory, the mages were the ones who implemented said theory.

According to this relationship, the occupations of mages were as diverse as the many fields of study.

Nevertheless, the reason why all scholars were not mages was because they could not enter the extremely sensitive state of mind: Spirit Zone.

In addition to the variety of knowledge, a mage must have sensitive senses.

Therefore, Shirone, who had already mastered the Spirit Zone, was even more frighteningly immersed in building up his knowledge.

He suppressed his curiosity towards more miscellaneous subjects, and dug through only history.

I have to hold myself back!

Shirone suppressed his urges in order to gain the endless efficiency that would come with the Core of Knowledge.

When that efficiency finally arrives, just what kind of mage would Shirone become?

It was a waste of time to think about stuff like that.

Whoo.

After reading the last page of the founding history, Shirone closed the book with a satisfied expression.

At that moment, the door burst open.

Hey, you jerk! I went through hell while waiting for today to come!

It was Rian Ogent who returned from hell.

To call him an incarnation of the devil with that malicious face of his would not be an understatement.

So persistent!

He harbored the same amount of anger as when he was dragged by his swordsman instructor a while back.

If Shirone was to point out any difference, it was that his eyes were sunken and his body appeared thinner.

Are you really here for that?

Of course. Do you know how much trouble I went through? I climbed and climbed the cliff countless times. Everytime I thought I would fall to my death due to my waning strength, I managed to hold on as I NEEDED to get my revenge!

Shirone was anxious.

If he had been growing that hatred everyday, then Shirone must look like a sworn enemy to him.

Arent you going to answer? You thinking about saying empty words? Im asking why the heck you snitched on me that day, you coward! I feel sick when I see guys like you!

I didnt rat on you, I just told the truth.

I asked you for a favor. Why didnt you tell me that you werent going to help me? I trusted you.

Shirone gave up persuading because he couldnt deal with the reasoning of an aristocrat.

Then what should I have done?

Rian looked slightly taken aback by the unexpected attitude.

He looked like a butler who had just started working for his family, but he looked so calm.

Alright, youre ignoring me too, arent you? You must have heard something from somewhere, but Ill show you clearly who I am. Follow me.

Shirone followed Rian.

Judging from the degree of his anger, he seemed to be thinking of taking him somewhere to beat him to the brink of death.

Its better than dying. Lets just let him do whatever he wants to do to me. Whether it be hitting or mistreating me.

He couldnt throw away the opportunity that his parents risked their lives for.

Whenever he felt fear, he imagined his parents enjoying their meals.

It was a small exercise hall where they arrived.

In close-quarters combat, the absorption of power is as diverse as the weight of it.

In order for Sword Smash to succeed, one needed to perfectly pinpoint the area in which the shock would not be spread. It was also necessary to understand the opponent as to ensure they could not dissipate it themselves.

Rian was shocked.

Even Rian, who had been wielding a sword ever since he was born, never succeeded in executing Sword Smash.

Most of all, he was offended because he was the only member of the family who had not yet mastered the technique.

Who the hell are you? Where did you learn that swordsmanship?

Shirone dropped his broken sword.

He sensed with the first blow and analyzed Rian with the second blow.

And on the third blow, he did it, The Thunder Strike he had practiced for three years.

I never learned any swordsmanship!

Shut up! Youre rotten to the core! How did you succeed in doing Sword Smash?! If youre trying to make fun of me, I wont let you off so easily!

That was Thunder Strike.

Thunder Strike?

My father is a hunter. Since I used to live in the mountains, I used to cut down a lot of trees. Since I was neither big nor strong, I had to learn how to cut down trees in a more technical way. It naturally came to me. Among the lumberjacks, this skill is called Thunder Strike.

Rians thoughts were all tangled up.

Mountaineer? You went around cutting trees? What the hell are you talking about? Ive been holding a sword for 15 years now. Sword Smash is not a skill you can learn through cutting trees.

None of my peers ever succeeded in casting Sword Smash. But if I had to name someone who could

Rian thought of one.

Rai Ogent!

He was the second son of the Ogent family. He was two years older than Rian.

He was also a genius in swordsmanship. Hes considered to have the greatest talent in the history of the Ogent family.

Rian clenched his fist tightly because he envisioned his brother laughing at him.

Damn it!

Rai first succeeded in executing Sword Smash at the young age of 12.

His family gathered to celebrate and their father held a week-long party.

Rian clearly remembered his emotions on that day, as now, even the child of a mountaineer had surpassed him.

I cant accept it!

He let out a thundering cry as he needed to vent his emotions.

Butwhy?

How come he became something While Im still a nobody

Young master, Ive shown grave disrespect

Shut up! Nothings over yet! No ones lost!

Rian headed to the outskirts of the training grounds.

There, equipped with various weapons, he returned with a high-class long sword used by aristocrats.

The sight of the sword gave Shirone shivers.

Perhaps

The sword, which made a ringing sound as it was drawn, reflected the torch.

Once he finished checking the blade, Rian put it back in the sheath and threw it to Shirone.

Raising his head in confusion, he stepped forward in order to catch the sword with both hands.

Rian spoke while stretching out his fingers.

Since both of our weapons broke, let us consider this match a tie. If you really mastered Sword Smash, then well have to account for that. One month from now on, lets compete here with real swords.

Ah

Shirones heart dropped.

He just wanted to survive, but he somehow made the situation worse.

Wooden swords and real swords were on totally different levels. In addition, Rian would not be giving him three chances like before.

I might actually die this time!

The faces of his parents came to Shirones mind, as he felt the fear of death for the time.

Young master, please change your mind! I never even learned swordsmanship!

Thats why Im giving you a month. You learned Sword Smash while cutting down trees? Although I cant believe it, if youre that smart, you should be able to come up with something in a month.

Rian didnt think it was unreasonable. It would have been possible for Ogent Rai.

He saw his brother in Shirone.

Yeah, I just didnt have enough resolve.

Dont even think about running away. Regardless of my personal feelings, I will definitely surpass you.

Rian's last words tied Shirone down.